The Michigan Wolverines and former NBA star Juwan Howard have agreed to part ways following a tumultuous season in Ann Arbor.
Howard, who signed on as head coach of his alma mater 5 years prior, endured one of the worst seasons in school history, finishing last in the Big 10 for the first time since 1966-67.
“After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men’s basketball coach,” Athletic Director Warde Manuel said in a prepared statement. “Juwan is among the greatest Wolverines to ever be associated with our basketball program. I know how much it meant, to not only Juwan, but to all of us for him to return here to lead this program. Despite his love of his alma mater and the positive experience that our student-athletes had under his leadership, it was clear to me that the program was not living up to our expectations and not trending in the right direction. I am thankful for Juwan’s dedication, passion and commitment to U-M and for all that he, and his legacy, will continue to mean to Michigan.”
The Wolverines were 8-24 this season, capping off a less than impressive run where the team won fewer games than the year prior in each of the last 4 campaigns. After reaching the Elite Eight in his second year at the helm, Michigan bowed out in the Sweet Sixteen the following year before missing the NCAA tournament in each of the last two seasons.
Howard’s time at the school also saw the 51 year old suspended for 5 games in 2022 after he struck Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft during the handshake line following his team’s 77-63 loss. While fans can look back fondly on Howard’s involvement in the school’s “Fab Five” era, his time along the sideline was largely a mixed bag.
Michigan finished 87-72 (.547 Win%) during the former Miami Heat star’s time with the school. No successor has been named as of yet for the 2024-25 season.
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